Home to several thousand Native Americans from 1000 A.D. to 1550 A.D., this 54-acre site protects six earthen mounds, a plaza, village site, borrow pits and defensive ditch. Etowah Mounds is the most intact Mississippian Culture site in the Southeast. Artifacts in the museum show how natives of this political and religious center decorated themselves with shell beads, paint, complicated hairdos, feathers and copper ear ornaments. Hand-carved stone effigies weighing 125 pounds still bear some original pigments. Objects made of wood, seashells and stone are also displayed.

Visitors can follow a nature trail along the Etowah River where they can view a v-shaped fish trap used for catching fish. The trail also highlights how early civilizations used native trees for food and medicine.

While only nine percent of this site has been excavated, examination at Mound C and surrounding artifacts revealed much about the people who lived here. They were a society rich in ritual. Towering over the community, the 63-foot earthen knoll was likely used as a platform for the home of the priest-chief. In another mound, nobility were buried in elaborate costumes accompanied by items they would need in their after-lives.Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site Business Plan

Etowah will be hosting a lecture on historic Creek and Cherokee cultures in Georgia. Come learn about how our modern society still carries the past on its shoulders. There will also be a genealogy lecture and workshop to help guests understand how their families have been influenced by Native Americans. $2 -$6. 770-387-3747.

Watch the re-creation of ancient Native American tools and weapons. Demonstrators will explain how to make, use, and care for things that were very important for survival thousands of years ago. Complete your evening by seeing an amazing nighttime view of Etowah. The site will be illuminated by torchlight for guided tours. $2.00-$6.00 770-387-3747.

Celebrate Archaeology month by learning about archaeology. we will have someone here to identify your artifacts, so bring them by. Discover how archaeologist learn things from artifacts. Park staff will host games and activities throughout the day. $2-$6. 770-387-3747.

Children between the ages of 10 and 12 can enjoy three days of exploring the site and learning about nature and Georgia’s history while completing activities to earn a Jr. Ranger badge. Registration begins May 1. $45. 770-387-3747.

Learn about birds and birding while focusing on several of the area’s most common birds. We will have bird walks to try and identify any birds we see or hear. Walks begin at 10 a.m. and 12 noon weather permitting. ($2 - $6) $2 -$6. 770-387-3747.